Last Updated: January 19, 2026

Interpretation and Definitions

Interpretation

The words of which the initial letter is capitalized have meanings defined under the following conditions. The following definitions shall have the same meaning regardless of whether they appear in singular or in plural.

Definitions

For the purposes of this Disclaimer:

  • Company (referred to as either "the Company", "We", "Us" or "Our" in this Disclaimer) refers to TopShelfRatings.com.
  • Service refers to the Website.
  • You means the individual accessing the Service, or the company, or other legal entity on behalf of which such individual is accessing or using the Service, as applicable.
  • Website refers to TopShelfRatings.com, accessible from https://www.topshelfratings.com

General Disclaimer

The information contained on the Service is for general information purposes only.

The Company assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.

In no event shall the Company be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents on the Service at any time without prior notice.

The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components.

FTC Affiliate Disclosure

Required by Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Guidelines

TopShelfRatings.com participates in affiliate marketing programs. This means we earn commissions when you purchase products through links on our site.

What This Means for You

Full Transparency:

  • Some links on our site are "affiliate links" with special tracking codes
  • If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission
  • The price you pay is IDENTICAL whether you use our link or not
  • You are never charged extra for using our affiliate links
  • Commissions are paid by the retailer, not by you

Our Commitment to You:

  • We only recommend products we believe provide genuine value to our readers
  • Our reviews and recommendations are based on thorough research and analysis
  • Commission potential does not influence our product recommendations
  • We maintain editorial independence in all content decisions
  • We prioritize reader benefit over affiliate revenue in every recommendation

Affiliate Programs We Currently Participate In

Amazon Associates Program:

TopShelfRatings.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to:

  • Amazon.com
  • Endless.com
  • SmallParts.com
  • AmazonWireless.com
  • Other Amazon affiliated sites

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Pages on this Service include affiliate links to Amazon and its affiliate sites. When you make a purchase through these links, TopShelfRatings.com receives a referral commission at no additional cost to you.

Genius Link:

We use Genius Link to manage and optimize our affiliate links. This service:

  • Automatically directs you to the most relevant Amazon marketplace for your location
  • Provides analytics to help us understand which content is most helpful
  • Improves the shopping experience by localizing product links
  • Does not collect personally identifiable information about you

For more information on data handling, see our Privacy Policy.

How Affiliate Tracking Works

When you click an affiliate link:

  1. A tracking cookie is placed in your browser (typically lasts 24 hours)
  2. If you make a purchase within that time, we receive a commission
  3. Your personal information is NOT shared with us
  4. We only see aggregated data (total clicks, conversions, earnings)
  5. Your privacy is protected throughout the process

Earnings Transparency

We believe in full transparency about how we earn revenue:

  • Primary Revenue Source: Amazon Associates commissions (typically 1-4% of purchase price)
  • Commission Rates: Vary by product category, set by Amazon
  • Average Commission: Approximately 3% across all product categories
  • Revenue Purpose: Supports website hosting, content creation, and research

Product Research & Review Methodology

Our Research-Based Approach

Important Disclosure: TopShelfRatings.com provides product recommendations based on comprehensive research, NOT hands-on testing or physical product reviews.

Our Methodology Explained

Primary Data Sources:

  • Customer Reviews: We analyze hundreds to thousands of verified purchase reviews on Amazon and other retail platforms
  • Technical Specifications: Detailed product specifications from manufacturer sources
  • Professional Reviews: Expert opinions from trusted industry publications and review sites
  • User Feedback: Real-world experiences from forums, social media, and Q&A sections
  • Comparative Analysis: Side-by-side feature and price comparisons

Our Analysis Process:

  1. Aggregation: Compile reviews and feedback from multiple sources
  2. Pattern Recognition: Identify common themes in customer experiences (pros, cons, use cases)
  3. Specification Verification: Cross-reference technical specs across multiple sources
  4. Value Assessment: Evaluate price-to-performance ratio and overall value
  5. Recommendation: Synthesize findings into clear, actionable recommendations

What We DON'T Do

We Do NOT:

  • Physically test products ourselves (unless explicitly stated in a specific article)
  • Receive free products from manufacturers for review
  • Accept payment from manufacturers for positive reviews
  • Allow affiliate commission rates to influence our recommendations
  • Claim firsthand experience with products unless specifically noted

What Guides Our Recommendations

Our Product Selection Criteria:

  • Customer Satisfaction: High ratings and positive feedback patterns
  • Reliability: Consistent performance across many user experiences
  • Value: Fair pricing relative to features and quality
  • Use Case Fit: Suitability for the intended purpose or user type
  • Brand Reputation: Manufacturer track record and customer support

Editorial Independence:

  • Our research team operates independently
  • Recommendations are based solely on merit and user feedback
  • We disclose when content is sponsored (currently we accept no sponsored content)
  • We update recommendations when better options become available

Why This Approach Works

Benefits of Research-Based Reviews:

  • Broader Perspective: Hundreds of real user experiences vs. one person's opinion
  • Diverse Use Cases: Coverage of various scenarios and user types
  • Long-Term Reliability: Feedback after months/years of use, not just initial impressions
  • Objective Analysis: Less bias than single-person subjective reviews
  • Comprehensive Coverage: More products analyzed than one person could physically test

Limitations of Our Approach

What You Should Know:

  • We rely on the accuracy of manufacturer specifications
  • Customer reviews may contain subjective opinions and individual experiences
  • Product quality can vary between manufacturing batches
  • Your specific needs and preferences may differ from average users
  • We recommend verifying current specifications before purchasing

Accuracy and Currency Disclaimer

Product Information Accuracy

Pricing and Availability:

  • Prices shown are accurate at time of content publication
  • Actual prices may vary due to sales, promotions, or retailer updates
  • Product availability may change without notice
  • We are not responsible for price discrepancies between our content and retailer sites
  • Always verify current pricing on the retailer's website before purchasing

Product Specifications:

  • Specifications are gathered from manufacturer websites and reliable sources
  • Manufacturers may update products without notice
  • We strive for accuracy but cannot guarantee 100% correctness
  • Minor specification differences may exist between production batches
  • Verify critical specifications on manufacturer sites before purchasing

Content Updates and Freshness

Our Update Process:

  • We regularly review and update our content for accuracy
  • Major product changes or discontinuations trigger content updates
  • Seasonal content is refreshed annually or as needed
  • User feedback about inaccuracies prompts immediate review

What May Become Outdated:

  • Product pricing (changes frequently)
  • Product availability (inventory fluctuates)
  • Manufacturer specifications (occasional updates)
  • Market landscape (new products enter, old ones exit)
  • Commission rates (set by affiliate programs)

Your Responsibility:
We recommend:

  • Checking current product pages on retailer sites before purchasing
  • Reading recent customer reviews on the retailer's site
  • Verifying specifications for critical features
  • Comparing prices across retailers if budget is a concern

The Service contains links to external websites that are not provided or maintained by or in any way affiliated with the Company.

Important Notes:

Third-Party Websites:

  • We do not control the content of external sites
  • We do not guarantee accuracy of information on external sites
  • We are not responsible for external site privacy practices
  • We are not responsible for external site terms and conditions
  • External sites may have different return policies and customer service

Types of External Links:

  • Affiliate Links: To Amazon and other retailers (tracked for commission)
  • Manufacturer Websites: For product specifications and support
  • Reference Sources: To support claims or provide additional information
  • Related Resources: For complementary information

Your Responsibility:

  • Clicking external links is at your own risk
  • Review the terms and privacy policies of external sites you visit
  • Verify you're on the correct website before entering personal information
  • Exercise normal internet safety precautions

Product Liability Disclaimer

We Are NOT the Seller

Critical Understanding:

When You Click Our Affiliate Links:

  • You are purchasing from the retailer (e.g., Amazon), NOT from TopShelfRatings.com
  • The retailer is responsible for product quality, shipping, and customer service
  • The retailer's terms of service and return policy apply
  • We receive only a small commission; we are not involved in the transaction

We Are NOT Responsible For:

  • Product defects or quality issues
  • Shipping delays, damage, or lost packages
  • Incorrect or misleading product descriptions by manufacturers
  • Product safety issues or recalls
  • Customer service issues with the retailer
  • Return, refund, or exchange processes
  • Warranty claims or repairs

Contact the Retailer or Manufacturer:

For product-related issues, contact:

  • Product Problems: Contact the retailer's customer service (e.g., Amazon Customer Service)
  • Returns/Refunds: Follow the retailer's return policy
  • Warranty Claims: Contact the product manufacturer
  • Safety Concerns: Report to the manufacturer and appropriate regulatory agencies

Product Recommendations Disclaimer

No Guarantees or Warranties

Individual Results May Vary:

Product recommendations are based on aggregated research and typical user experiences. However:

  • Individual satisfaction and results may differ from average experiences
  • Products that work well for most people may not work for everyone
  • Your specific needs, preferences, and circumstances are unique
  • Environmental factors may affect product performance
  • User skill level and proper usage impact results

We Provide NO Warranty That:

  • Products will meet your specific needs or expectations
  • Products will perform exactly as described
  • You will be satisfied with your purchase
  • Products will work in your specific situation or environment
  • Prices will remain stable or represent the best available deal

Not Professional Advice

Important Limitations:

Our content provides general information and recommendations. It is NOT:

NOT Medical Advice:

  • Not a substitute for consultation with healthcare professionals
  • Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease
  • Health and fitness products should be used with professional guidance

NOT Financial Advice:

  • Not investment or purchasing advice tailored to your financial situation
  • Not a recommendation to spend beyond your means
  • Consult a financial advisor for significant purchases

NOT Legal Advice:

  • Not legal guidance on product liability or consumer rights
  • Not interpretation of warranties or return policies
  • Consult an attorney for legal questions

NOT Professional Technical Advice:

  • Not a substitute for manufacturer instructions or professional installation
  • Not comprehensive safety guidance
  • Follow manufacturer specifications and consult professionals for technical implementations

For Specialized Needs:
Consult qualified professionals in the relevant field before making decisions based solely on our content.

Errors and Omissions Disclaimer

Despite Our Best Efforts

Possible Errors:

  • Product specifications may contain errors or omissions
  • Prices may be outdated or incorrectly transcribed
  • Links may become broken or redirect incorrectly
  • Information may be incomplete or missing important details
  • Manufacturer information may change after publication

Our Commitment:

  • We strive for accuracy in all content
  • We update content regularly to maintain accuracy
  • We correct errors promptly when identified
  • We welcome user feedback on inaccuracies

How to Report Errors:

If you notice errors, outdated information, or broken links:

  • Email us at info@topshelfratings.com
  • Include the page URL and description of the error
  • We typically investigate and respond within 2-3 business days
  • Corrections are prioritized based on severity

What We Cannot Guarantee:

  • Real-time accuracy of all product information
  • Detection of all manufacturer specification changes
  • Immediate updates when prices change
  • Perfect accuracy across hundreds of products and articles

Use of Copyrighted Material

The Company may use copyrighted material including:

  • Product images from manufacturers
  • Technical specifications from manufacturer websites
  • Product descriptions for review purposes
  • Screenshots of product listings

Fair Use Justification:

We believe this constitutes "fair use" under section 107 of the United States Copyright law for purposes of:

  • Product comparison and review
  • Commentary and criticism
  • Consumer information and education
  • News reporting on products and trends

Limitations:

  • We use only what is necessary for review purposes
  • We provide attribution to sources when applicable
  • We do not reproduce entire copyrighted works
  • We add substantial original analysis and commentary

Copyright Holders:

If you believe your copyrighted material is being used inappropriately:

  • Contact us at info@topshelfratings.com
  • Provide the specific URL and copyrighted material in question
  • We will review and respond promptly to legitimate concerns

Using Our Content:

If you wish to use copyrighted material from TopShelfRatings.com beyond fair use, you must:

  • Obtain written permission from us
  • Provide proper attribution
  • Comply with any usage restrictions we specify

Views and Opinions Disclaimer

Editorial Content

Our Perspective:

Content on TopShelfRatings.com represents:

  • Our research-based analysis and synthesis of available information
  • Our editorial team's professional opinions
  • Aggregated perspectives from customer reviews and expert sources

These Views:

  • Do not necessarily reflect the views of manufacturers or retailers
  • Are not endorsed by product manufacturers
  • Do not constitute professional advice (medical, legal, financial)
  • Are subject to change as new information becomes available
  • Represent honest opinions based on available research

Product Manufacturers:

Our reviews and recommendations:

  • Are independent of manufacturer influence
  • Are not sponsored by manufacturers (unless explicitly disclosed)
  • May include both positive and negative assessments
  • Aim for balanced, objective analysis

User-Generated Content (Future)

If We Enable Comments or User Submissions:

  • User comments are the sole responsibility of the individual commenter
  • We do not endorse or verify user-submitted content
  • We reserve the right to remove comments for any reason
  • Users assume full liability for their comments
  • Comments do not represent the views of TopShelfRatings.com

Comment Moderation:

If implemented, we will:

  • Moderate comments to remove spam, abuse, or inappropriate content
  • Not be liable for user-generated content
  • Remove comments that violate our terms or applicable laws

Limitation of Liability

Maximum Extent Permitted by Law

Our Liability is Limited:

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, TopShelfRatings.com and its operators shall NOT be liable for:

Direct Damages:

  • Losses from products purchased based on our recommendations
  • Financial losses from purchasing decisions
  • Disappointment with product performance
  • Time or money spent based on our content

Indirect and Consequential Damages:

  • Loss of profits or business opportunities
  • Loss of data or other information
  • Business interruption
  • Reputational harm
  • Personal injury (use products according to manufacturer instructions)

Maximum Liability:
Our total liability for all claims shall not exceed $100 USD.

Your Acknowledgment:
By using the Service, you acknowledge that:

  • Product purchases are made at your own risk
  • You are responsible for reading manufacturer instructions and warnings
  • You should verify information before making purchasing decisions
  • We provide information services only, not products or guarantees

Changes to This Disclaimer

We may update this Disclaimer from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date at the top.

Notification of Changes:

  • Material changes will be highlighted on the page
  • Significant changes may be announced via email (if you're subscribed)
  • Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance

Your Responsibility:
Review this Disclaimer periodically to stay informed of any updates.

Contact Us

Questions about this Disclaimer? Contact us:

Email: info@topshelfratings.com

Response Time: We typically respond within 2-3 business days.

What to Include in Your Message:

  • Specific question or concern
  • Page URL if referencing specific content
  • Any relevant details to help us address your inquiry

Related Policies:

This Disclaimer is effective as of January 19, 2026 and applies to all content and affiliate relationships on TopShelfRatings.com.